This coastal city and former British colony has exploded in popularity since its humble origins as a fishing village back in the 19th century. Today Hong Kong offers a dynamic atmosphere and an iconic skyscraper scattered skyline, which boasts of its standing as a global financial and technological hub.

Visitors to this south eastern region of China will be thrilled by its cosmopolitan centre, major shopping opportunities and stunning architecture. Its fusion of eastern and western cultures makes this a truly unique destination and one that simply has to be experienced.

Top Attractions

The image many people have of Hong Kong is dictated by its iconic skyline. And although it is full of tall and imposing buildings, look a little closer and you’ll find the attractions in Hong Kong are varied and unique.

A must visit on your trip to Hong Kong is undoubtedly Lantau Island, an oasis of diverse wildlife, beautiful beaches and incredible Buddhist architecture. Located just 11 kilometres to the west of Hong Kong Island, Lantau is easily reachable.

Visitors can incorporate other top attractions into their visit to Lantau Island. For example, the island itself can be reached via the jaw-dropping Ngong Ping 360, a cable car that cuts through the sky and offers indescribable views of Hong Kong’s landscape. Also located on the island is the Tian Tan Buddha, a colossal bronze statue that weighs an astonishing 250 metric tons. It really needs to be seen to be believed.

Things to do in Hong Kong

Hong Kong offers a wonderful blend of exciting activities and rich historical sites. No matter what your age or interests may be, you’re sure to find an experience to cherish here.

Ocean Park

The ultimate crossover of theme park and zoo, Ocean Park was opened in 1977 and has been the foil to the mighty Hong Kong Disneyland for over ten years. Pastures weren’t always so green for the world’s 13th most popular theme park. In 2005, the park received a 5.5 billion cash injection to make it the fun-for-the-family juggernaut that’s known and loved today. The park’s zoo includes penguins, seals, sharks, sea lions, pandas and more. The theme park has dozens of attractions for customers of all ages, including four rollercoasters and countless other thrill rides. It’s one of the best zoos and theme parks in Asia all in one place.

Address: No.180 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Hong Kong,China

Price: Adult –HK$385, Child (3-11 years old) – HK$193, Children under 3 years & adults over 65 years – free

Opening Times: 10:00 – 18:00

Victoria Peak Tower

Take in the stunning landscape of western Hong Kong at Victoria Peak Tower. One of the highest mountain’s on Hong Kong island, measuring a dizzying 1,811 feet, it offers incredible views of the surrounding islands, including Victoria Harbour. The Peak, as it was previously known, has been home to primarily European residents since the 1800s, who originally reached their homes via sedan chairs. Considered by many as one of the best ways to see Hong Kong, Victoria Peak is not all birds and trees. Among the scenic views there’s several excellent shopping locations and eating destinations too.

“While you can’t miss the obvious attractions such as Victoria Peak or the Avenue of the Stars, Hong Kong’s best experiences are found in the local gems. Make an early visit to a fish market before dining at a neighbourhood Dim Sum hole. And the Ladies Market or Lascar Row make for fun shopping adventures, but bring your haggling skills.”

Disneyland Hong Kong

While not quite as famous as the Paris or Californian parks, Disneyland Hong Kong is still the happiest place on earth, at least, it’s one of the happiest places on earth. Unlike it’s western counterparts, Disneyland Hong Kong has one distinct advantage over them and that’s the crowds: although the park is very popular, you rarely get the kind of overwhelming busyness you’d expect from a visit to other Disneylands. Anyone whose ever been to a theme park on a busy day will tell you that’s the difference between a magical day out and a lot of standing around. But just like those other parks, this has all the Disney you can handle, including parades and fantastic Disney themed rides suitable for any age.

Lantau Island

One of the most magical spots in all of Asia, Lantau Island has amazing Buddhist architecture, incredible views, stunning sandy beaches and shopping galore. There’s also plenty of spots to eat, which is good news because the walk to the Tian Tan Buddha is quite a climb. Once you’re there though, we assure you that the view is more than worth it. Also worth the journey is the Po Lin Monastery, which is located near the giant Buddha statue. Other places of interest include Tai O, which is a perfect artefact from the Island’s past as a series of fishing villages.

Address: The island is about 11 kilometers, or 7 miles, due west of Hong Kong Island

Price: Free

land

“Though many think of Hong Kong as a bustling metropolis, it’s also the perfect destination for outdoor adventure enthusiasts. Whether you’re hiking to the peak of Lion Rock or marvelling at the impressive rock formations at High Island, Hong Kong is a dream locale for spending time in pristine nature.”

Ngong Ping 360

Your journey on Lantau island is best discovered through the incredible Ngong Ping 360 aerial tramway, which offers stunning views of Hong Kong’s famously beautiful landscape, including vast forests, beaches and clear open waters. You’ll also get 360 views of the South China Sea and the world famous Tian Tan Buddha Statue. To best enjoy the scenery, you can select a crystal cabin, which includes a glass floor: just make sure you don’t get vertigo. It’s also a good idea to book online, as waiting times can be long if you decide to pay upon arrival. Other promotions include walking tours and meal options.

“Hong Kong is an intoxicating city with one of the most beautiful skylines in Southeast Asia. Despite being a modern metropolitan, Hong Kong is surrounded by beautiful beaches and mountains. For stunning views of the city, a visit to Victoria’s Peak is a must. Meanwhile if you want to go on a nature trip, hike the famous Dragon’s Back Ridge Trail and reward yourself with some dimsum from one of Hong Kong’s oldest Tea Houses, Lin Heung.”

By Anna, https://www.adventureinyou.com/

Tian Tan Buddha

Generally referred to as the Big Buddha, this enormous bronze statue is one of the most well known and popular tourist attractions in all of Hong Kong. Completed in 1993, this tribute to Buddha Shakyamuni is made of over 200 bronze pieces and weighs over 250 metric tons. It’s one of five Buddha statues in China, having been finished in 1993. There’s plenty of ways to get to Tian Tan Buddha, including bus and cable car. You’re extremely high up so both methods of travel are quiet a thrill, but nothing beats the views of the cable car. The walk up to the statue is legendarily tough, so make sure you’re up for a challenge and wear comfortable walking shoes.

Address: Ngong Ping Rd, Lantau Island, Hong Kong

Price: Free

Po Lin Monastery

Hidden away up among the vast, lush mountains of Hong Kong, the Po Lin Monastery stands as a place of peace among nature. Although the completion of the Tian Tan Buddha statue has made this temple a popular tourist attraction since 1993, the Po Lin Monastery still retains the incredible sense of tranquillity that has made it such a unique and life affirming experience since the early 1900s. Aside from its obvious spiritual importance, the temple is known for its wooden bracelets, which are only sold here and here alone, so make sure to pick one up if you want a unique souvenir, as it’s unlikely you’ll get another chance.

Address: Lantau Island, Hong Kong, China

Price: Free

Hours: Sun – Sat, 07:30 – 18:00

Lamma Island

Lamma Island is quite possibly the most peaceful Island in all of Hong Kong, which for a land known for its affinity with Buddhism, is no small feat. Unlike most villages that pepper their heritage with new attractions like theme parks and modern technology, Lamma Island is the real deal. The only vehicles allowed here are those absolutely necessary (such as emergency services), so all travel is done on bike or on foot. In fact, this back to basics approach has made the island extremely popular with those seeking an alternative lifestyle. So much so that this old fashioned island has become a retail hotspot. It’s best to experience Lamma Island in all its serenity, so try to avoid visiting on weekends. This spot is also known for its authentic Chinese seafood, which is the perfect end to an authentically traditional Chinese experience.

Address: Lamma Island, Islands District, Hong Kong, China

Price: Free

“Lamma Island, a short ferry ride from the bustling city centre, is the perfect place to see Hong Kong’s natural beauty. Hiking trails wind their way between white sand beaches and through small villages. There are no cars on Lamma Island, so hitting the trails is the only way to explore it. “

Happy Valley Racecourse

Among the temples, statues, peace and serenity, it’s strange to imagine horse racing fitting within that picture. But surprises come in the most unusual of places and Hong Kong is just that. Happy Valley Racecourse is a fantastic day out for anyone with the slightest bit of interest in racing. Everything is very well priced, including drinks, betting boxes and dinner. It also features fantastic views of the races themselves. Originally built in 1845 for the British, horse racing began finding popularity among Chinese residents throughout the 1800s. Today the race course is capable of holding a whopping 55,000 people, following a rebuild in 1995, and is one of the best racing experiences you can find anywhere in the world.

Man Mo Temple

The smell and atmosphere of Man Mo Temple will follow you for a long time after you leave this picturesque spiritual beauty. The mix of incense, bright colours and calming atmosphere make this one of the most beloved temples in Hong Kong, It attracts thousands from around the world, all looking to ring the great temple bell three times and to make a wish. In a place like this, it’s easy to believe wishes can come true. This is the largest Mang Mo temple in Hong Kong and is a tribute the Gods of literature and war. The temple is also a place of great history, having been built in 1847 and features many fascinating historical documents. One thing that’s not tied to the history books however is the feeling of serenity visitors feel within this magical place.

Shopping in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is known for its diverse and exciting shopping destinations, from local stores to high-end, luxury retailers. These are just some of the best places to shop ‘til you drop.

Fashion Walk

As its name would suggest, this street side shopping extravaganza focuses on fashion, both at a local and international level. There’s plenty to see here that you won’t find anywhere else form local designers, but most people come here for the world famous fashion designer collections from throughout Europe, Asia and the USA. It’s not all extremely high end fashion though: there’s plenty for shoppers of all tastes and budgets. There’s also a selection of supermarkets, restaurants and even international stores like IKEA to browse. The ambience of Fashion Street is very relaxed, especially compared to the busier malls available in the city.

Address: Great George Street, Paterson Street, Cleveland Street

Kingston Street and Gloucester Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong Island

Pacific Place, Hong Kong Island

This four level mall has over 130 stores, ranging from international brands to small local traders. Whether you’re looking to find something unique to remember the city by or you’re just looking to grab a snack, Pacific Place has everything you could possibly want in one place. The amount of floors allows it to break down your shopping experience nicely, so you’re not wondering round any more than is necessary. You’ll generally find the higher end stores on the higher floors. This mall is enormous, so if you want to check out everything it has to offer, prepare yourself for some tired feet come the end of the day.

Address: 88 Queensway, Hong Kong

Sham Shui Po

A street market unique to this area, Sham Shui Po is a hotbed for everything electronic, including many rare, obscure and collectable items. It’s especially popular among music lovers looking for rare LPs or hi-fi equipment. You won’t believe the bargains that can be picked up at this market. However, be wary of things that may seem too good to be true, as the market is known for selling bootlegged products. The market is also known for its excellent supply of craft materials, such as beads, sequins, ribbons etc. In fact, many local retailers get their stock from here.

Address: Sham Shui Po, Hong Kong

Landmark

From the market to the high end, Landmark is known for its prestigious international brands. This is where the rich and the trendy do their shopping over five stories of ultra cool designer brands. It’s easy to see why they are so revered: for many of these brands, this is their only Asian location, making Landmark a truly unique spot in the easy. If you have the money to spend then this is an exceptional place to shop, complete with fine dining restaurants to recharge and rest your feet after a hard day’s spending.

Address: Queen’s, 15 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong

Nightlife in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a high energy city that truly comes to life at night. With decadent clubs, pumping music and elegant, laid back bars, you’ll be completely spoilt for choice.

Sevva Rooftop Bar

Aside from being a world class restaurant, Sevva also features an incredible rooftop bar, which serves up incredible views of the harbour and an ambience as sophisticated as its international menu. Located at the heart of Hong Kong in the Prince’s building, this is one of the coolest bars in the city. Known for its vibrant energy and live music, Sevva Rooftop Bar shows off the vibrancies of the city. And if you get hungry, the food here is just as great as the view.

Address: Prince’s Building 25th Floor, 10 Chater Road, Central

Hours: 12:00 – 02:00 (closed Sundays)

Ce La Vi

Whether you’re here to enjoy the cocktails or the menu, Ce La Vi is one night out you won’t want to say goodbye to. Located at California Tower, this is your one stop shop for everything you could need on an evening in Hong Kong. Enjoy rooftop cocktails way up in the sky and soak in the mountain views as the DJs take you through the night in one of the coolest spots in the city. If you do plan on eating, make sure you book in early to get the best seats: they’re worth it. Check out their dessert menu too, as their Valrhona manjara ice cream is to die for.

Address: California Tower, D’Aguilar Street, Central

Hours: 19:00 – 03:00

Volar Club

Arguably the coolest club in all of Hong Kong, Volar Club is open until the early hours of the morning and has been sending people home from the best club night of their lives since 2004. Since then, its reputation has been cemented in over a decade of decadence, featuring the wildest nights to the hottest tunes anywhere in the world. Keep in mind that Volar Club is extremely popular and is renowned for being the hardest club to get into in all the city, so prepare for a long wait and dress sharp.

Address: 44 D’Aguilar St, Central, Hong Kong

Hours: 20:00 – 04:00 (may vary)

Dragon-i Club Hong Kong

A club with an ambience all of its own, the Dragon-I Club Hong Kong infuses Chinese, Japanese and European fashions and traditions to create a style like no one else. It’s no surprise that this is quite possibly Hong Kong’s most cosmopolitan club, attracting beautiful people from across the world. Not only that, the club offers an equally unique culinary experience, with a mixture of Chinese and Japanese delicacies on its menu. Chilled out by day, party animal by night, this club is one you don’t want to miss.

Address: UG/F, The Centrium, 60 Wyndham St, Hong Kong

Hours: Daily from 12:00 – 15:00, 17:00 – 04:00

Magnum

Magnum sits at the heart of Central, and is a whopping 13,000 square foot of clubbing glory. This is a luxurious clubbing experience, with two floors of magic costing upwards of 50 million dollars to bring to life. That’s a lot of money, but seeing this place in person shows you that it was money well spent, with chandeliers and even the DJ booth overflowing with crystals. Magnum doesn’t hold back its riches with elegance. It throws them in your face and beckons you to bask in its excesses. Such a high class venue is known for attracting some of the best international DJs in the world, so it has substance to back up those golden toilets.

Fun Facts

Hong Kong was ranked fourth in a global billionaires list: In 2016, as many as 64 residents holding personal fortunes of US$1 billion or over.

It’s got its fair share of fancy cars: Hong Kong has more Rolls Royce vehicles per person than any other city in the world. Hardly surprising given the number of billionaires that live there.

Hong Kong is far more than skyscrapers: Although the skyline here is dominated by tall buildings (there are more than 8,000 of them), as much as 40% of Hong Kong’s territory is country park and nature reserve.

Beware of the 4th floor: Although many buildings far exceed 4 floors, many don’t actually have a 4th floor. Omitting the number four is common because four sounds like the word “death” in Chinese and is considered unlucky.

Food In Hong Kong

No matter what you fancy on your plate, Hong Kong has something for you. It’s home to a selection of authentic Chinese restaurants and international eateries, all of an incredible quality.

Tin Lung Heen

Featuring a spectacular view from the 102nd floor of the ICC tower and offering astonishing scenes of the Hong Kong Harbour, this restaurant is quite literally in the clouds. Luckily, the quality of its food manages to meet such spectacular heights, earning itself a Michelin star in the process. This is the ultimate Chinese dining experience, with authentic melt in the mouth cuisine served by attentive staff in a stunning environment. You’ll rarely hear a bad word said about Tin Lung Heen, with special praise going to its Char Siu (BBQ pork) and seafood dishes, although frankly, everything on the menu is world class.

“A MUST do in Hong Kong is to indulge in all the delicious food Hong Kong has to offer – from dim sum to local food at an authentic “cha chaan teng” and roasted goose! Don’t forget to hop on an evening ferry to admire Victoria Harbour and the dazzling Hong Kong skyline as the backdrop!”

Amber at The Landmark Mandarin Oriental

Located in the heart of Hong Kong’s busiest business and shopping district, the Landmark Mandarin Oriental is both a five star hotel and a five a star restaurant. It features two dining areas: the MO Amber and the MO Bar, the former of which has two Michelin-stars and is listed as one of the top 50 restaurants in the world. Its outstanding menu, service and ambience have more than earned all of those accolades. If you’re on a bit of a budget, there’s a set menu option for lunch, which includes a four course option. Regardless, with the quality that’s on offer here across the board, you’re bound to be satisfied with the food and the price.

“My favorite things in Hong Kong, a city that can otherwise be pretty expensive, are free: Victoria Peak and the Symphony of Lights at the harbor. An evening very well-spent would include golden hour until sunset at Victoria Peak finishing off with the light show on the harbor.”

Keung Kee

A long way away from the fine dining experiences of Amber or Tin lung Heen, Keung Kee is no less delicious. This is classic street market food at its finest, beloved by locals and adored by tourists. What Keung Kee lacks in elegance, it more than makes up for in flavour and value. There’s so many street market vendors that it takes something truly special to stand out and Keung Kee is just that, offering stunningly fresh seafood (so fresh in fact, they are kept alive on the street) at mind meltingly low prices. You’ll be hard pressed to find better.

Address: 219 Kilung Street, Sham Shui Po

Tosca

Hong Kong isn’t exactly known for its Italian restaurant, but if you’re looking to put a little European flavor into your eastern adventure, you can’t go wrong with Tusca. This is a restaurant so steeped in its culture, it’s named after a famous Italian opera. The food lives up to the name, offering dishes so authentic, you’ll think you’ve teleported across continents. Hong Kong really does have a little of everything and Tosca is proof of that. Featuring excellent wines and incredible cuisine, this restaurant might not have much competition in Hong Kong, but even if it did, we’re pretty confident this European beauty would still come out on top.

Morton’s – The Steakhouse

It doesn’t matter where you are in the world, a great steak is a great steak anywhere. More evidence that Hong Kong is a truly international city, Mortan’s – The Steakhouse is quite possibly the best steakhouse this great city has to offer. In keeping with the global flavour, it features meats from across the world, all cooked to absolute perfection and served with a selection of stunning wines. Mortan’s is also in a prime location at the top of Sheraton hotel and overlooks the bay below.

Top Tips

Going on a food tour can save you money: Not only are food tours a great way of getting to grips with the incredible culinary delights that Hong Kong has to offer, but they are also great for finding the best cheap places to eat, meaning you may end up saving money in the long run.

Carry an umbrella: This is especially important if you’re travelling over summer. Hong Kong can experience over 100 rainy days a year and some of the downpour is very heavy indeed. So keep an umbrella nearby just in case you encounter some unexpected showers.

Learn a little Cantonese: Plenty of residents in Hong Kong know English. In fact, it’s one of their two official languages. However, this is not the case for everyone and it’s a good idea to learn a few basic phrases just in case you get lost in translation.

Where to Stay in Hong Kong

Luxury Hotels in Hong Kong

An absolute legend both in Hong Kong and to hotels everywhere, The Peninsula has been providing the best service possible since just before Christmas 1928. This is the epitome of classic cool, featuring a timeless design mixed with contemporary chic. The rooms were recently renovated in 2013 and have been wowing guests old and new ever since. This is hotel design at its absolute peak, with comfort and style being taken to new levels of excellence. The hotel also includes a 12,0000 square foot spa, a whopping nine excellent restaurant and bars, an enormous swimming pool and even a shopping arcade. If money is no object then this might be the best that it can buy.

InterContinental Hotel aims to bring a truly international flavour to the hotel market in Hong Kong. Its luxurious, decadent style brings a modern edge to classic hotel design. It also includes a large pool, a spa, two onsite celebrity restaurants, entertainment stations, 3 infinity spa pools, a hot tub, sauna, massage service and even a 24 hour fitness centre. The international flavour extends to the food; from the Michelin starred Tan Toh Heen’s Cantonese focus, to more western cuisines across its other restaurants. The hotel is located next to the harbour and offers some absolutely incredible views, which is especially true if you can afford to stay in a harbour room. The staff are known for their excellence too, as is everything in the InterContinental Hotel. You’ll find impeccable views, food, rooms, style and service here.

Hyatt Regency is considered by many to be the best hotel in Hong Kong. While that’s a matter of preference, it’s hard to dispute. This is a stunningly beautiful hotel, located on one of the tallest skyscrapers in Kowloon and featuring the absolute best of everything a hotel could possibly offer. The rooms display Hong Kong’s skyline, delivering one of the most awe inspiring sights anyone could wake up to. The lights of the city dazzle guests through the night and are enjoyed in complete comfort. The hotel also features a large heated pool, a fitness centre and restaurants serving up stunning cuisine from both the east and the west. If you want a place for a nightcap, the Chin Chin Bar, glowing in a deep dark red, is a perfect way to spend your evening.

To live in the lap of luxury during your stay in London, you will need to be spending approximately 15,000 rupees per night’s stay (on average). These prices are influenced significantly by the length of time you stay, the size of your group and when you choose to visit London.

Mid-range Hotels in Hong Kong

Ibis Hong Kong Central & Sheung Wan Hotel is found near MTR station, surrounded by restaurants and featuring an incredible harbour view. Hong Kong is filled with magnificent sights but being able to get such a scenic spot for such a low price really is incredible. The breakfast here is also excellent, offering both a western and eastern range. The rooms are very spacious for the price and the staff are well known for their hospitality. It’s a peaceful hotel, despite being so close to traffic links, and is the perfect way to end a busy day.

From the outside, the Empire Hotel in Wan Chai doesn’t appear to be the most exciting of hotels. It’s a rather plain, if professional looking building. On the inside however, there’s more than enough to make up for mediocre first impressions. The lobby is absolutely stunning, styled beautifully with class and elegance. The rooms are crisply designed with sleek, stylish décor and large, comfortable furnishings. They’re known for being clean with great customer service and attention to detail. It’s also in an excellent location in Wanchai, in walking distance from all major transport links and offering plenty to do in the surrounding area, including great places to eat and drink.

If you want to stay in the centre of Hong Kong then the sleek, contemporary aesthetics and affordable price tag of the Kowloon Hotel will impress. Situated in the Golden Mile area, you’ll be conveniently close to the shopping district, as well as the Hong Kong Cultural Centre and Tsim Sha Tsui MTR Station. Inside, you’ll find everything you need in the tasteful guest rooms, including Wi-Fi, LCD TVs and comfortable beds. The Kowloon also boasts two onsite restaurants, along with a bar overlooking Nathan Road and even massage services, making it the ideal place to unwind after a long day of sightseeing.

Budget Hotels in Hong Kong

If you’re looking for a hotel with a cool, sleek look, you won’t believe how much you can get for so little at Y Loft. The room is incredibly spacious for the price and the décor is something you would expect from hotels costing several times more than the price here. In fact many, many more expensive hotels don’t look this good. Staff are available 24/7, the rooms are clean and well designed, plus there’s an abundance of nearby shops, restaurants and the beach is a mere bus ride away.

The YesInn Hostel @Fortress Hill is simply bursting with personality, thanks to its simple yet colourfully decorated rooms. This smoke-free hotel may be understated in its décor but the shared rooms are ideal if you’re travelling with a group. Amenities here include free Wi-Fi, ceiling fans and ensuite bathrooms, along with a common area for you to unwind in with a hot drink in your hand. The best thing about the YesInn Hostel though is its fabulous location in Hong Kong East, benefitting from fantastic surroundings and nearby travel links that allow you to roam Hong Kong with ease.

Located a mere 15 minutes away from the amazing Ocean Park, CARITAS Oswalk Cheung International House is incredible value with rooms way above what you can usually expect from this price bracket. It’s a little out of the city (around 40 minutes), which is partially why you get such a great deal, but you’re surrounded by excellent transport links that make this hotel an absolute bargain for what you’re paying. Not only that but the location has an excellent selection of places to eat, making this area worth checking out on its own. The hotel is also known for its helpful staff and excellent, western style breakfast. This might not be the flashiest of hotels, but it’s clean, comfortable and cheap. You’ll struggle to find a king sized bed anywhere else in this price range.

The word most often used to describe Bridal Tea House Hotel is cosy. There’s no point sugar coating it, the rooms here are smaller than a lot of hotels. However, they are so comfortably designed and furnished that the effect here is more akin to falling into a woven cocoon than feeling lost for space. The space here is utilised to perfection, fitting everything you need in a clean, modern room. It also comes with excellent air conditioning, which during the summer months, is absolutely vital.

Getting Around Hong Kong

As you’d expect from such a densely populated area, Hong Kong offers fantastic public transport links. While it’s safe and easy to explore the city on your feet, the great transport routes mean you can travel between Hong Kong Island, Kowloon Peninsular, the New Territories and the outlying islands with ease.

One of the easiest ways to explore Hong Kong is by using the Mass Transit Railway (MTR). Comprising of a huge stretch of underground, over ground and tam-style trains, the MTR offers 84 stations over nine lines, meaning you can get to wherever you need to be. They are clean, convenient and colour-coded, so it’s simple discern all the travel information you need.

Although they cost slightly more than busses, they are an affordable option, with tourist day passes available. They are also the quickest option, running every two to 14 minutes, from early in the morning to past midnight. As the MTR serves around four million people everyday, they can become extremely busy during rush hour. It is therefore best to avoid travelling between 7:30 to 9:30 and between 15:00 to 19:00 if possible. Please also be aware that smoking, eating and drinking are not permitted on MTR trains and could result in a large fine.

Alternatively, you can opt for minibuses. These are available in two varieties, including the red minibuses that features a red roof or stipe. These stop along set routes or can be hailed down. You can often find the list of destinations displayed on the bus windscreen but these are rarely in English, so it’s always a good idea to ask the driver if you are unsure. With the red minibuses, you often pay for your journey before you depart.

Green minibuses can be identified by their green roof or stripe and require customers to pay the exact fare into the cash box as they get on. It’s always a good idea to familiarise yourself with the routes of minibuses before you embark on your journey and be aware that both red and green minibuses are limited to a maximum of 16 seats.

It’s recommended that you purchase an Octopus Card while travelling in Hong Kong, as these are the easiest way to pay for your transport. These rechargeable smartcards are available via www.octopuscards.com or at any MTR station. They cost SD$26.73 for adults and SG$12.47 for children and seniors. This will give you SG$17.82 worth of travel expenses, along with a SG$8.91 refundable deposit. They can be topped up at stations and used on all MTR trains and most minibuses, as well as for purchases in various retail stores.

Best Time to Visit Hong Kong

The subtropical climate of Hong Kong means that its summers are often hot and humid with a lot of rainfall. It is therefore best to avoid visiting during this season.

If you want to experience everything Hong Kong has to offer in a dry and mild climate then plan your trip between October and November. During these months, the weather is still fairly warm with bursts of sunshine and cool breezes, making it the perfect conditions to explore the busy centre and surrounding shores.

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